Cràter del volcà, Olot, Przewodnik dla zwiedzających i co robić w okolicy

The crater of the Montsacopa volcano sits just above the town centre of Olot, in Catalonia's Garrotxa region. It is a wide, grassy bowl at the top of a small volcanic cone, part of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, and it is a short uphill walk from the old town. It is one of the easiest places in Europe to stand inside a volcano without leaving a town.

The story behind it

Montsacopa is a cinder cone, one of the roughly forty volcanic cones scattered across the Garrotxa. Olot grew up on this volcanic ground, and several of the cones sit right beside its streets. Montsacopa is the one closest to the centre, so for generations it has been the town's own hill.

People have left their mark on the rim as well as the crater. A chapel dedicated to Sant Francesc and an old watchtower stand on the top, which makes the climb a favourite local outing. The crater itself is now a calm green open space, a good contrast to the busy streets below.

What to look for

• The rounded bowl of the crater itself, where the grass-covered floor shows clearly how the cone is shaped.
• The small chapel of Sant Francesc on the rim, a simple building that gives the summit its character.
• The old watchtower on the top, which shows why this hill was a natural lookout over the area.
• The view over Olot's rooftops to the neighbouring volcanic cones and the green hills of the Garrotxa beyond.

Tips for your visit

• Allow about 45 minutes to an hour for the walk up, a stroll around the rim and time at the viewpoints.
• Wear shoes with a decent grip, as the paths can be steep and uneven, especially after rain.
• Morning or late afternoon gives softer light and cooler walking, particularly in summer.
• The crater is an open-air natural space, so you can walk up at your own pace. Check current opening hours for the chapel if you hope to see inside.

Explore it on a quest

The best way to get to know the crater and the streets around it is on foot, one place at a time. Questo offers self-guided quests in Olot: the app leads you from stop to stop, tells you about each place as you arrive and sets a puzzle in what is in front of you. There is no guide and no group to join, so you can start whenever you like. Browse the quests in Olot to pick a route.